What's eating my calathea white star?

Calathea White Star is most susceptible to spider mites, which explode in the low-humidity conditions this tropical dislikes. Mealybugs and scale also target it. The large, striped leaves show damage clearly as discolouration and stippling. Keeping humidity above 60% and regularly inspecting leaf undersides stops most infestations before they escalate.

Fine webbing and pale silvery stippling on leaf surfaces; leaves curl, yellow, and drop if untreated Increase ambient humidity; shower the plant to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly for 3–4 weeks

White woolly deposits in leaf axils and on undersides; sticky leaves; distorted new growth Remove with alcohol swabs; spray whole plant with insecticidal soap; isolate the plant and repeat treatment weekly

Immobile brown bumps on stems and leaf undersides; yellowing; honeydew leading to sooty mould Scrape off with a damp cloth or toothbrush; treat with diluted neem oil; persist with weekly applications for 4–6 weeks